The #1 Pinterest Metric You Should Focus on To Grow Traffic [Pinterest Marketing Mistakes]

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So, your Pinterest traffic suddenly went poof into thin air?

First of all: Deep breath. It’s not just you. And it’s fixable.

The real reason your growth stalled probably isn’t what you think. You might be obsessing over the wrong metrics or fixing things that don’t move the needle.

A lot of creators chase clicks like they’re the grand prize. Or even worse, bragging about monthly views as if those matter at all.

But hate to break it to you… clicks are just the participation ribbon.

Cute, but not what wins you the game.

This article is a recap of my Youtube Video, which you can watch below, or continue reading the article with the key points:

The Real Pinterest Prize? SAVES

Pinterest isn’t handing out traffic to just anyone shouting the loudest anymore.

They’re rewarding the most engaging creators — the ones whose content people save because it’s so good they want to come back to it later.

Think about it:

  • Clicks = Quick glance, maybe gone forever.
  • Saves = “OMG, I NEED this in my life!”

Pinterest sees saves as a huge trust signal — like a neon flashing sign that says, “People LOVE this content! Show it to more people!”

So, if you’re focused only on clicks, you’re kinda missing out on a huge piece of your overall Pinterest strategy.

But don’t panic.

I’m about to show you exactly how to turn your pins into save magnets without losing your mind.

PS: You can find this free guide at the end of the article.

4 Simple Steps to Get More Saves on Pinterest (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here’s your Pinterest “save strategy” that works and delivers real results:

1. Make Pins People Want to Keep

Pinterest is not just a visual search engine. It’s the internet’s favorite inspiration board.

Your job? Create content people feel inspired to save.

Think:

  • List posts (“10 DIY Projects You Can Actually Finish”)
  • Bookmark-worthy recipes (not just one photo, but recipes that make people drool)
  • Gorgeous templates or infographics (visuals people NEED in their life)

If you make your pins feel essential for future-you, saves will naturally go up.

2. Add Hooks to Your Headlines

Your headline can either make someone scroll past…

Or hit that “Save” button so fast they scare their cat.

Good headlines = emotional + curiosity-driven.
Bad headlines = Pinterest graveyard.

Example:

  • ❌ “Best Vegan Recipes”
  • ✅ “The 5 Vegan Dinners Even Meat-Eaters Beg For”

See the difference?

One feels flat.

The other makes you need to know more.

3. Make It Eye Candy

Your pin has exactly 2.5 seconds to catch someone’s eye.

If your graphic looks bland, cluttered, or confusing? Buh-bye.

Here’s how to level up your visuals:

  • Use bold, legible fonts that pop (even on mobile)
  • Vibrant colors — but stay brand-consistent
  • High-contrast graphics that stand out in a crowded feed

Need inspo? Go look at pins YOU save — what grabs you?

4. Add a Call To Action (Seriously.)

It sounds basic, but you HAVE to tell people what to do.
Add a clear CTA like:

  • “Save for later!”
  • “Pin this checklist!”
  • “Bookmark this guide!”

Put the CTA on the pin graphic AND in your description.

And don’t forget — your actual blog post or landing page should also encourage readers to save!

But Wait — How Do You Know If It’s Working?

Once you start tweaking your strategy for saves, you need to check the receipts.

Here’s what to do:

Pinterest Analytics Deep Dive

Every month, pull up your Pinterest analytics and filter by Saves.
Look for:

  • Top-performing pins
  • Content types getting most saves
  • Colors, styles, or layouts that consistently win

Notice patterns?

Double down on those.

Update your Canva templates and your content plan to match what’s WORKING.

Spy on the Competition (In a Nice Way)

Tools like Pin Inspector let you see what’s ranking by saves for your target keywords.

If you notice your pin isn’t stacking up next to the top ones, you’ll know exactly what to tweak — whether it’s your design, headline, or overall vibe.

📌 Pro Tip: If your competitor’s top pins are pastel and minimal… and yours looks like a neon circus, maybe it’s time to tone it down.

Get Pin Inspector with $20 OFF

Use discount code PIN20 at checkout!

Ready to SUPERCHARGE Your Saves?

Download my FREE Power Pinning Blueprint Cheat Sheet, where I will teach you how to create 300 new pins in just one hour, and at the end of it, you will also find 300+ save magnet pin ideas for any niche!

Browse through them and start creating pins your audience will love today!

Sign up to my newsletter below to get this blueprint right to your inbox!

Final Thoughts: Pinterest Isn’t Broken, Your Strategy Might Be

Stop chasing clicks like it’s 2015. Saves are the new secret weapon.

The good news?

You’re not starting from scratch.

You’re just upgrading your game — and Pinterest is 1000% ready to reward you for it.

Love it? Save it for Later!

Save these for later so you can find this article when you need to refer back to it. You will also find lots of practical tips and guides on my Pinterest profile, so don’t forget to stalk me there.

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Author
Lucia is a senior marketing professional with over a decade of experience in digital marketing. She is dedicated to helping bloggers and business owners grow their revenue through strategic and data based marketing strategies. Her areas of expertise include SEO, Pinterest marketing, branding, social media marketing, and e-commerce.

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